Rim Runner X22

The CamelBak Rim Runner X22 is a hiking day pack with its own hydration system: a Crux reservoir rides in a sleeve inside the pack, and the drink tube runs over your shoulder so you drink on the move instead of stopping to dig out a bottle. Around it you get room for a full day's gear, a ventilated back and a hip belt to carry it comfortably.

Who it's for

Day walkers and fast hikers heading out for anything from a morning loop to a long day, in the kind of heat that makes hydration the whole game. Picture the climb out of the Grand Canyon track in the Blue Mountains, a summer day in Lamington National Park, or a big loop in the Grampians. For everything up to a full day on the track, this is the kind of pack we would point you to.

Capacity, and what actually fits

Alongside the reservoir, the main compartment takes the day's kit: a rain shell, a warm layer, lunch and a first aid kit. The stretch overflow pocket on the front swallows a fleece you have just peeled off without opening the pack, and the side stretch pockets hold an extra bottle for electrolytes or a refill.

How it carries

An Air Support back panel maps its ventilation to the hottest parts of your back, which is what you feel first on a humid Queensland morning. A padded hip belt takes weight off your shoulders, and an adjustable sternum strap keeps the pack steady when the track turns rocky.

Fitting it

Put the hip belt on first so it sits across the top of your hip bones, then snug the shoulder straps until the pack hugs your back without lifting the belt. Slide the sternum strap to just below your collarbones and clip it. Set up this way, most of the load rides on your hips and the pack stays put when you are stepping over roots and rocks.

Access and organisation

The Crux reservoir sits in its own sleeve inside the pack, with the drink tube held on the shoulder strap, so you drink without stopping. An organiser pocket keeps your phone, snacks and wallet sorted, with a clip so your keys stay put, and a pair of trekking poles rides on the front of the pack when you are not using them.

Looking after it

After each walk, empty the reservoir, rinse it and let it dry fully with the lid open before you pack it away. A reservoir that goes into the cupboard damp is the one that grows something.